Yeah, sort of, but with production to help it sound more mainstream. I think Soundgarden, AIC and Pearl Jam sound way different from that though. AIC and Soundgarden were heavier and more like metal than hardcore. Pearl Jam was something different entirely, no hardcore or metal influence at all. Most of the original Seattle "grunge" bands were just hardcore acts, Nirvana included.
I guess they have basic similarities in that they were mainstreamy alternative rock sounding, which is probably the criteria for being labeled a grunge band.
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